Lead Process operator

ZipRecruiter; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading climate-tech firm in Nottingham seeks a Lead Process Operator to manage operations at their pilot plant. Key responsibilities include team leadership, safe plant operation, and commissioning activities. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience and strong technical skills. The role offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and the chance to impact global CO₂ reduction efforts.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Stock options

Private health insurance

Free food and snacks

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operating a pilot or commercial plant.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• High technical competence in electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and manage a team of plant operators.
• Operate the plant safely and efficiently.
• Lead maintenance and commissioning activities.

Skills

Team management

Technical competence

Safety management

Flexibility

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Job Description

** Join the Climate-Tech Revolution at Concrete4Change (C4C)**

Position: Lead Process (Commissioning) Operator (Job title flexible)

Location: Nottingham, UK

Salary: £45,000–£65,000

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Start Date: Immediate

Visa Sponsorship: Available

About Us

Concrete4Change (C4C) is a deep-tech R&D company pioneering a breakthrough technology to permanently mineralise CO₂ in concrete. Our innovation is globally recognised, winning awards from the United Nations, Royal Academy of Engineering, and the COP26 Climate Challenge Cup. We are backed by industry giants Siam Cement Group and Goldbeck GmbH and work with top academic and industrial partners including the Universities of Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Warwick, and manufacturers like Holcim, CRH, Marshalls, and Ibstock.

We recently completed a 10× scale-up of our additive production and are now building our first pilot-scale mini plant in Nottingham. This plant will serve as the final R&D platform before a 100× commercial demonstrator – with “steel on the ground” and real flue gas integration

Learn more about us:

• Technologies & Vacancies

• Day in the C4C Labs

• Employee Perspectives

• Founder's Story

The Role

We are now seeking a highly qualified Process Operator to take a leading role in commissioning and operating our pilot plant. Reporting directly to the CTO, you will shape operational protocols, build and manage a small team, and help transition our technology from pilot to commercial scale.

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact in scaling a climate technology that can reduce global CO₂ emissions.

Key Responsibilities

Management & Leadership

• Recruit, coach and lead a team of plant operators
• Manage day-to-day operations at both our Nottingham pilot site and future customer trial locations
• Oversee shift scheduling, contractor coordination, and staff performance reviews
• Collaborate with CTO and Senior Process Engineer on budgeting, planning, and resourcing

Plant Operation

• Operate the plant safely and efficiently from the control panel
• Collect and record process data; support time optimisation and troubleshooting
• Perform routine tasks (e.g. titration, Karl Fischer) and visual inspections
• Ensure safe storage of raw materials, products, and spare parts
• Calibrate instruments and coordinate routine maintenance

Maintenance & Commissioning

• Conduct re/commissioning and plant overhaul activities
• Lead permit-to-work processes and manage system isolations
• Take initiative on managing waste, housekeeping, and plant readiness

General Operations

• Champion safety, housekeeping, and plant performance standards
• Support future customer deployments and act as C4C’s site representative
• Assist with analytical equipment calibration and upkeep
• Operate or train for forklift use (training can be provided)

Person Specification

Essential

• 5+ years of experience in operating a pilot or commercial plant
• Strong leadership and team management experience in an operational setting
• High technical competence in at least one area: electrical, mechanical, operations, instrumentation, etc.
• Familiarity with COMAH Tier 2 safety practices (e.g., permit to work, isolations, change management)
• Practical, hands-on, and able to work flexibly including occasional non-standard hours
• Full UK driving license

Desirable

• Background in chemical/gas/oil/bulk materials industries
• Proficient in small hand tools and basic mechanical tasks
• Forklift licence (or willingness to train)
• Additional skills in any of the following areas: electrics, PLCs, plumbing, laboratory work, manual handling, NEBOSH, COSHH, LOLER
• Experience with CO₂ capture/utilisation and/or mineralisation
• Familiarity with concrete or cement chemistry

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (£45–65k) with performance bonuses
• Stock options / equity participation in a high-impact climate company
• Private health insurance & pension plan
• Generous annual leave
• Free food, snacks, and coffee in our Nottingham office
• Opportunity to work directly with global concrete manufacturers
• Visa sponsorship available
• Unmatched career progression in climate tech scale-up